Fed: Aust considering sending specialist troops to Afghanistan

AAP General News (Australia)
12-20-2001
Fed: Aust considering sending specialist troops to Afghanistan

Defence Minister ROBERT HILL says Australia is considering supplying technical troops
rather than infantry soldiers to an interim stabilisation force in Afghanistan.

Senator HILL says Britain originally requested Australia supply a significant number
of infantry soldiers.

But he says he now understands Britain has received many other offers of infantry.

Senator HILL says the government is examining a range of options for the security force
to support the new interim government in Kabul.

He says Canberra doesn't believe Australia can contribute to a longer term force which
may follow in three month's time.

AAP RTV mb/daw/tb/rp

KEYWORD: TERROR FORCE HILL (DILI)

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